JP2017173514A - Optical fiber ribbon and method of manufacturing optical fiber ribbon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical fiber ribbon or the like having intermittently bonded portions, in the optical fiber ribbon the cores of the optical fibers being arranged in a predetermined fashion over the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon.SOLUTION: Multicore fibers 1 are arranged in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an optical fiber ribbon 10 such that cores 5 of all the multicore fibers 1 are all arranged in the same direction over the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10. In the optical fiber ribbon 10, the multicore fibers 1 are bonded together intermittently by bonding portions 9 at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction. The bonded portions 9 between adjacent multicore fibers 1 are arranged staggeredly or in a similar manner with respect to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10. That is, the positions of bonding portions 9 adjacent to each other in the width direction are formed at the same pitch in the longitudinal direction with an approximately half-pitch shift provided relative to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber ribbon or the like provided with a plurality of optical fibers.

  As an optical fiber for transmitting a large amount of data at a high speed, an optical fiber tape core in which a plurality of optical fiber strands are arranged in parallel and bonded is used for easy storage in a cable and work. ing. As the optical fiber ribbon, a fiber in which parallel optical fibers are fixed with a resin over the entire length is used, and there are optical fiber tapes in which optical fiber strands are intermittently bonded to each other. Intermittent bonding of optical fiber strands has features such as an increase in concentrating density, a reduction in transmission loss due to bending, and ease of single-core operation.

  As a manufacturing method of such an optical fiber tape core wire, for example, a method using a dispenser (for example, Patent Document 1), a method using a shutter mechanism (for example, Patent Document 2), a rotating body A device using a transfer coating method (for example, Patent Document 3) has been devised.

JP 2001-264604 A JP 2010-33010 A JP 2012-252196 A

  On the other hand, due to the rapid increase in traffic in recent optical communications, the limit of transmission capacity is approaching in a commonly used single-core optical fiber. Therefore, as a means for further expanding the communication capacity, a multi-core fiber in which a plurality of cores are formed on one optical fiber has been proposed. By using a multi-core fiber, the installation cost of the optical fiber can be suppressed and the transmission capacity can be increased.

  When a multi-core fiber is used as a transmission path, each core part of the multi-core fiber needs to be connected to a different optical fiber, optical element, or the like to send and receive transmission signals. In particular, in the optical fiber ribbon as described above, it is necessary to connect multi-core multi-core fibers at once by providing a plurality of multi-core fibers.

  However, in the case of an optical fiber having a directivity in the core arrangement, such as a multi-core fiber, the core is arranged in addition to the center of the cross section, so it is compared with a single core optical fiber having one core at the center. There is a problem that connection is difficult.

  In particular, in order to further reduce the connection loss in the connection between the optical fiber ribbons and the connection between the optical fiber ribbon and the optical element, it is necessary to further reduce the axial deviation between the cores. For this reason, in the optical fiber ribbon, it is desirable to align the optical fibers by aligning the core arrangement of each optical fiber in a certain direction.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, such as an optical fiber ribbon in which the cores of the respective optical fibers are in a predetermined arrangement over the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbons bonded intermittently. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the first invention is an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are provided, and the adjacent optical fibers are intermittently bonded to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and is in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon. Each of the optical fiber cores is arranged at a fixed position in the longitudinal direction in a cross section perpendicular to the optical fiber tape.

  The optical fiber may be a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores.

  A marker for identifying the arrangement of the core may be provided in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.

  A colored portion is provided on a part of the outer surface of the optical fiber in the circumferential direction, and the colored portion is formed continuously or intermittently in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the optical fiber, and the colored portion is formed of the optical fiber. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the relationship between the position of the colored portion and the position of the core may be provided so as to be substantially constant over the longitudinal direction.

  According to the first invention, the optical fiber tape cores joined intermittently even when the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. Since the cores and the like are arranged at fixed positions in at least a predetermined length range of the wires, the connection of the optical fiber ribbons is easy.

  Such an optical fiber having directivity with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is particularly suitable for a multi-core fiber.

  Further, as an optical fiber having directivity with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the present invention can also be applied to an optical fiber provided with a marker for identifying the arrangement of the core.

  Further, if a colored portion is formed in the resin coating portion and the positional relationship between the circumferential position of the colored portion and a specific core in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is substantially constant over the longitudinal direction, The appearance of the core can be grasped by the appearance. For this reason, the rotation alignment of the optical fiber is easy.

  A second invention is a method of manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are provided side by side, and the adjacent optical fibers are intermittently bonded to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, A light introduction step of introducing light into the core of the optical fiber, a light leakage step of leaking the light introduced into the core to the outside of the optical fiber, a light detection step of detecting light leakage in the light leakage step, An optical fiber rotating step of rotating the optical fiber in the circumferential direction so that the amount of light leak detected in the light detecting step is substantially constant, and a plurality of the optical fibers are provided side by side, A tape forming step of intermittently adhering to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber to form a tape, and a method of manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon.

  A third invention is a method of manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are provided side by side, and the adjacent optical fibers are intermittently bonded to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, A light introduction step of introducing light into the core of the optical fiber, a light leakage step of leaking the light introduced into the core to the outside of the optical fiber, a light detection step of detecting light leakage in the light leakage step, In a first optical fiber rotating step for rotating the optical fiber in the circumferential direction so that the amount of light leakage detected in the light detecting step is substantially constant, and in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, A resin coating step of applying a colored resin to a part of a circumferential direction of the outer surface of the optical fiber so that the positional relationship with the core is substantially constant over the longitudinal direction; and detecting the position of the colored resin; resin A second optical fiber rotating step of rotating the optical fiber in the circumferential direction so that the position is constant; and a plurality of the optical fibers are provided side by side, and the adjacent optical fibers are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. An optical fiber tape manufacturing method comprising: a tape forming step of intermittently bonding to tape.

  According to the second and third inventions, the optical fiber ribbon can be formed so that the arrangement of the core of the optical fiber is substantially constant over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the optical fiber tape core wire etc. by which the core of each optical fiber becomes predetermined arrangement | positioning can be provided over the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire | bonded intermittently.

The perspective view which shows the optical fiber tape core wire 10. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the optical fiber tape core wire 10. FIG. The top view which shows the optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 20. FIG. The side view which shows the optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 20. FIG. It is a figure which shows the optical detection part 23 vicinity, and the B section enlarged view of FIG. (A) is the FF sectional view taken on the E section of FIG. 5, The figure which shows the state which the light introduction core 5a was located in the uppermost part on the perpendicular G of the optical fiber bending part 15, (b), FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in an E part of FIG. 5, and shows a state where the light introduction core 5 a is located at a position deviated from the perpendicular line G. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the position of the light introduction core 5a and the inclination of the bobbin 12 in the cross section of the multi-core fiber 1, where (a) shows a state where the light introduction core 5a is located on the perpendicular G, and (b) shows the light introduction The figure which shows the state where the core 5a was located in the site | part which shifted | deviated from the perpendicular G, (c) is the figure which shows the state in which the light introduction core 5a was located in the site | part shifted | deviated from the perpendicular line G. The side view which shows the optical fiber tape cable manufacturing apparatus 20a. (A) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape cable manufacturing apparatus 20b, (b) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape cable manufacturing apparatus 20c. (A) is a figure which shows the optical fiber ribbon 10a, (b) is a figure which shows the optical fiber ribbon 10b, (c) is a figure which shows the optical fiber ribbon 10c. (A) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape core wire 10d, (b) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape core wire 10e, (c) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape core wire 10f. (A) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape core wire 30, (b) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape core wire 30a. The side view which shows the colored resin coating apparatus 40. FIG. The figure which shows the optical fiber tape cable manufacturing apparatus 50. FIG.

(First embodiment)
The optical fiber ribbon according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical fiber ribbon, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view. The optical fiber ribbon 10 includes a plurality of multi-core fibers 1 and is integrated by an adhesive portion 9. The number of multi-core fibers 1 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 10 is not limited to the illustrated example.

  In the optical fiber ribbon 10, the multi-core fibers 1 are bonded to each other by the bonding portion 9 intermittently at a predetermined interval with respect to the longitudinal direction. The bonding portions 9 between the adjacent multi-core fibers 1 are arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10. That is, the positions of the adhering portions 9 adjacent to each other in the width direction are shifted from each other by approximately a half pitch and formed at the same pitch in the longitudinal direction.

  The multi-core fiber 1 is an optical fiber having a circular cross section, a plurality of cores 5 arranged at predetermined intervals, and the periphery covered with a clad 3 having a refractive index lower than that of the plurality of cores. A resin coating 7 is formed on the outer periphery of the clad 3. The multi-core fiber 1 has a total of seven cores 5 and is arranged at the center of the multi-core fiber 1 and at each vertex position of a regular hexagon around the center. That is, the central core 5 and the surrounding six cores 5 are all at a constant interval. In addition, in the six cores 5, the intervals between the adjacent cores 5 are also the same. The core 5 serves as a signal light waveguide. As described above, the multi-core fiber 1 is an optical fiber having a cross-sectional configuration perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and having a directivity with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1. The plurality of multi-core fibers 1 have the same arrangement of the plurality of cores. Further, the arrangement of the cores 5 is not limited to the illustrated example.

  In the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10, the multi-core fibers 1 are arranged such that all the cores 5 of the multi-core fibers 1 are arranged in the same direction along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10. The For example, in the illustrated example, the multi-core fiber 1 is arranged so that one center line of each of the multi-core fibers 1 connecting the three cores 5 is all directed in the thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10 (vertical direction in the figure). Is done. Further, in the optical fiber ribbon 10, the core 5 is disposed at a fixed position over the longitudinal direction of at least a predetermined length range of the optical fiber ribbon 10. That is, the arrangement of the cores 5 is always substantially constant in an arbitrary cross section in the longitudinal direction within a predetermined length range of the optical fiber ribbon 10. Particularly preferably, it is desirable that the arrangement of the cores 5 is always substantially constant over the entire length of the optical fiber ribbon 10.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20, and FIG. 4 is a side view showing the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20. The optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20 mainly includes a bobbin placement unit 11, a bobbin control unit 25, a guide 17, an optical fiber bending unit 15, a light detection unit 23, an adhesive application unit 21, and the like. The bobbin arrangement unit 11, the bobbin control unit 25, the guide 17, the optical fiber bending unit 15, and the light detection unit 23 are arranged by the number of multi-core fibers 1 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 10.

  A bobbin 12 is disposed on the bobbin placement portion 11. The bobbin 12 is a bobbin around which the multi-core fiber 1 is wound and the multi-core fiber 1 is drawn out. Each bobbin arrangement portion 11 is provided with a light introducing portion 13. The light introducing unit 13 is a light source that introduces light into the end of the multi-core fiber 1. In addition, although the light introduction part 13 can also introduce light into all the cores, it can also introduce light into a specific core.

  The multi-core fibers 1 drawn out from the bobbin 12 (arrow A in the figure) are respectively sent to the optical fiber bent portions 15 disposed between the pair of guides 17. The optical fiber bending portion 15 is a roller, and bends the multi-core fiber 1 passing through the roller to a predetermined curvature. The guide 17 is a roller that guides the travel route of the multi-core fiber 1 so that the multi-core fiber 1 is bent in contact with the optical fiber bending portion 15 for a predetermined range.

  In the vicinity of each optical fiber bent portion 15, a light detection unit 23 is arranged. The light detection unit 23 is a sensor that continuously detects light leaked from the multi-core fiber 1. The light intensity of the leakage light detected by the light detection unit 23 is transmitted to the bobbin control unit 25, respectively. The bobbin control unit 25 controls the posture of the bobbin 12. The detection of leakage light by the light detection unit 23 and the control method of the bobbin 12 by this will be described later.

The multi-core fiber 1 that has passed through the optical fiber bent portion 15 passes through the adhesive application portion 21. In the adhesive application section 21, a plurality of multi-core fibers 1 are aligned, and an adhesive is applied and bonded at a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction. That is, the adhesive application part 21 forms the adhesion part 9 intermittently and bonds adjacent multi-core fibers together. In addition, as a method of adhering the multi-core fiber intermittently, for example, the known method described above can be applied.

  The coated optical fiber ribbon 10 bonded intermittently by the adhesive application unit 21 is cured by drying or UV irradiation as necessary. An optical fiber ribbon 10 in which a plurality of multi-core fibers 1 are integrated is wound up by a winding device (not shown). Thus, the optical fiber ribbon 10 is manufactured.

  Next, detection of leakage light by the light detection unit 23 and a method for controlling the bobbin 12 will be described. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the optical fiber bent portion 15 (enlarged view of B portion in FIG. 4). As described above, the multi-core fiber 1 is bent along the optical fiber bent portion 15. In addition, light is introduced into the at least one core 5 of the multi-core fiber 1 by the light introduction unit 13 (light introduction process). Therefore, when the multicore fiber 1 is bent with a curvature greater than or equal to a predetermined curvature, light leaks to the outside according to the bending radius of the multicore fiber 1 (D in the figure) (light leakage step). The light detection unit 23 detects this leakage light (light detection step).

  6 (a) and 6 (b) are cross-sectional views taken along line FF in the E portion of FIG. 5, and FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are different from each other in the position of the light introducing core 5a. It is a figure which shows a state. A line G in the figure is a center line of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 1, and is a line perpendicular to the roller surface of the optical fiber bent portion 15. As described above, light can be introduced into all the cores 5, but for the sake of simplicity, in the following description, an example in which light is introduced into one illustrated light introduction core 5a will be described.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state where the light introduction core 5 a is located at a portion (distance L) farthest from the optical fiber bent portion 15. When the multi-core fiber 1 is bent at the optical fiber bent portion 15, the bending radius of the multi-core fiber 1 is the outer diameter of the optical fiber bent portion 15 + the distance L.

  When the light introducing core 5a is bent in this way, leakage light is generated (D in the figure). The leakage light varies depending on the bending radius, and the amount of leakage light increases as the bending radius decreases. The light detection unit 23 detects the light intensity of the leaked light.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows a state where the multi-core fiber 1 is slightly rotated from the state of FIG. 6A (H in the figure). In the following description, the rotation with the central axis of the multicore fiber 1 as the rotation axis may be simply referred to as the rotation of the multicore fiber 1. In this state, the light introduction core 5a is slightly closer to the optical fiber bent portion 15 (distance G <L) than in the state of FIG. For this reason, the bending radius of the light introduction core 5a becomes small. As a result, the intensity of leakage light D increases.

  In addition, for example, the rotation direction of the multi-core fiber 1 can be more reliably detected by arranging the plurality of light detection units 23 at different positions in the circumferential direction of the multi-core fiber 1 and detecting leakage light from each direction. Can do.

  As described above, when the light intensity of the leaked light is the smallest by detecting the light intensity of the leaked light from the light introducing core 5a by the light detection unit 23, the light introducing core 5a is in the state of FIG. I understand that there is. Further, when the light intensity of the leaked light increases, it can be recognized that the multi-core fiber 1 is rotating.

  In addition, even if it is a case where light is introduce | transduced into all the cores, the rotation of the multi-core fiber 1 is detectable by detecting the leak light from a core. That is, it is desirable to use the outermost core as the light introducing core 5a for detecting such rotation. In particular, when light is introduced only into a specific core, it is necessary to select a core other than the central core of the multicore fiber 1 as the specific core, and it is desirable to introduce light into the outermost core.

  Next, a method for controlling the bobbin placement unit 11 (bobbin 12) will be described. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C are diagrams showing the position of the light introducing core 5 a and the inclination of the bobbin 12 in the cross section of the multi-core fiber 1. Note that the left side of each figure is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in part E of FIG. 5, and the right figure of each figure is a diagram showing the posture of the bobbin 12 as viewed from the direction C of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the state where the light introduction core 5a is located on the line G and is located at the portion farthest from the optical fiber bent portion 15 is the reference state, in this reference state, the bobbin 12 is Keep straight. Therefore, the multi-core fiber 1 drawn out from the bobbin 12 has the light introducing core 5a positioned above it.

  On the other hand, when the light intensity of the leaked light by the light detection unit 23 changes and it is determined that the multicore fiber 1 is rotating, the bobbin control unit 25 controls the posture of the bobbin 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the multi-core fiber 1 is rotating and it is determined that the arrangement of the cores 5 is shifted rightward in the drawing (H in the drawing) around the center of the cross section. The bobbin controller 25 tilts the rotation surface of the bobbin 12 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the multi-core fiber 1 (direction I in the drawing).

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7C, when it is determined that the multi-core fiber 1 is rotating and the arrangement of the cores 5 is shifted in the left direction in the figure (J in the figure) around the center. The bobbin controller 25 inclines the rotation surface of the bobbin 12 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the multi-core fiber 1 (K direction in the figure). That is, the bobbin control unit 25 and the bobbin 12 function as an optical fiber rotating unit for rotating the multi-core fiber 1. In this manner, the optical fiber is rotated in the circumferential direction so that the amount of light leakage detected in the light detection step is substantially constant (optical fiber rotation step).

  The inclination angle of each bobbin 12 is set according to the rotation angle of the multicore fiber 1. For example, the rotation angle may be calculated from the light intensity detected by the light detection unit 23, and the bobbin 12 may be inclined by an angle that cancels the rotation angle. The light intensity of the leaked light from the light detection unit 23 is a reference. You may incline until it becomes maximum intensity.

In addition, each bobbin 12 is detected by the light detection unit 23 for each bobbin 12, and the posture is individually controlled by the bobbin control unit 25. Therefore, all the multi-core fibers 1 sent to the adhesive application part 21 can be controlled so as to face each other in the same direction.

  In the adhesive application section 21, a plurality of multi-core fibers 1 are provided side by side, and an adhesive is intermittently applied and bonded between the adjacent multi-core fibers 1 in the longitudinal direction (taping process). Note that the adhesive is applied so that the adhesive portions adjacent in the width direction are shifted from each other by a half pitch. Thus, by always controlling the specific core (light introduction core 5a) to be in a predetermined position in the cross section of the optical fiber ribbon 10, the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10 is controlled. The arrangement of the cores 5 can be made substantially constant.

  Thus, since the arrangement of the cores of all the multi-core fibers 1 is constant, the optical fiber ribbon 10 can be easily aligned when connecting the optical fiber ribbon 10 to other fibers or elements. Become.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position of the specific core 5 in the radial cross section of the multi-core fiber 1 sent to the adhesive application unit 21 can be always kept constant. Therefore, the specific core 5 can always be arranged at a fixed position when taped. For this reason, the arrangement of the cores 5 of all the multi-core fibers 1 can be made substantially constant over at least a predetermined length (preferably the entire length) of the optical fiber ribbon 10.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the inevitable rotation of the multi-core fiber occurs at the time of manufacture, the multi-core fiber 1 is taped while twisting so as to cancel the rotation. It becomes possible to make it constant.

  Thus, since an optical fiber ribbon with a constant core arrangement can be obtained, multi-core multi-core fibers can be easily connected together using fusion or a connector.

  At this time, the plurality of multi-core fibers 1 are intermittently bonded in the longitudinal direction, whereby the bending directionality of the optical fiber ribbon 10 is small and wiring work is easy.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the example in which the light introducing portion 13 is the end portion of the multi-core fiber 1 has been described. According to this method, light can be introduced by selecting only a specific core. On the other hand, light can be introduced into the multi-core fiber 1 by other methods.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing an optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20a. In addition, in the following description, about the structure same as the optical fiber tape cable manufacturing apparatus 20, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. The optical fiber tape core manufacturing apparatus 20a is substantially the same as the optical fiber tape core manufacturing apparatus 20, but includes a light introducing section 13a instead of the light introducing section 13.

  The light introduction part 13 a includes a light introduction bending part 27 and a light source between a pair of guides 29. The light introduction bending portion 27 is a roller, and bends the multi-core fiber 1 passing through the roller to a predetermined curvature. The guide 29 is a roller that guides the travel route of the multi-core fiber 1 so that the multi-core fiber 1 is brought into contact with the light introduction bending portion 27 in a predetermined range and bent.

  When light is radiated to the multicore fiber 1 passing through the light introducing bend 27 by a light source disposed in the vicinity of the light introducing bend 27, light is introduced from the bend into the core inside the multicore fiber 1. That is, light is introduced into the multi-core fiber 1 on the principle opposite to the leaked light in the optical fiber bent portion 15. A part of the light introduced into the multi-core fiber 1 is detected by the light detection unit 23 as leakage light in the optical fiber bending portion 15.

  As described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained also by the second embodiment. In addition, in the light introduction part 13a, since light cannot be introduced only into a specific core, light is introduced into a plurality of cores or almost all cores. However, even in this method, light can be efficiently introduced into the outermost core farthest from the neutral axis, and leakage light can be detected.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig.9 (a) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 20b. The optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20b is substantially the same as the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20, but differs in that a fiber rotating part 31 is provided.

  The fiber rotating part 31 is disposed between the bobbin 12 and the optical fiber bent part 15 (guide 17). The fiber rotating unit 31 is, for example, a roller. The multi-core fiber 1 is in contact with the fiber rotating part 31 in a predetermined range. Therefore, a predetermined frictional force is generated between the multicore fiber 1 and the fiber rotating part 31.

The rotation unit control unit 24 controls the posture of the fiber rotation unit 31 based on the leaked light detected by the light detection unit 23. Specifically, the rotating surface of the fiber rotating unit 31 is tilted in the same manner as the above-described tilting of the bobbin. By rotating the fiber rotating part 31 in this direction, the multi-core fiber 1 passing through the fiber rotating part 31 can be rotated. Therefore, the position of the core 5 in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1 sent to the adhesive application part 21 can be always kept constant.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, since it is only necessary to control the posture of the small roller as compared with the bobbin 12, the control is easy.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG.9 (b) is a figure which shows the optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 20c. The optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20c is substantially the same as the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20b, but the installation location of the fiber rotating unit 31 is different.

In the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 20 c, the fiber rotating part 31 is disposed between the optical fiber bent part 15 (guide 17) and the adhesive application part 21. In this case, the rotation angle of the fiber rotation unit 31 is set according to the rotation angle of the multicore fiber 1. For example, the rotation angle may be calculated from the light intensity detected by the light detection unit 23, and the fiber rotation unit 31 may be inclined by an angle that cancels the rotation angle.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the circumferential position of the multi-core fiber 1 can be controlled at a location closer to the adhesive application portion 21.

(Embodiment 1 of another optical fiber ribbon)
The optical fiber ribbon applicable to the present invention is not limited to the form as shown in FIG. For example, like the optical fiber ribbon 10a shown in FIG. 10A, the multi-core fiber 1 may be aligned so that the orientation of the multi-core fiber 1 is different from that of the optical fiber ribbon 10. In the optical fiber ribbon 10a, the multi-core fiber 1 is arranged such that one center line of each of the multi-core fibers 1 connecting the three cores 5 is all directed in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10 (left-right direction in the figure). Be placed. That is, the optical fiber ribbon 10 a is arranged in a direction in which all the multi-core fibers 1 are 90 degrees different from the optical fiber ribbon 10. Thus, the arrangement direction of the cores of the multi-core fiber constituting the optical fiber ribbon can be directed in an arbitrary direction.

  Further, the arrangement of the cores of the multi-core fiber constituting the optical fiber ribbon of the present invention is not limited to the example described above. For example, a multi-core fiber 1a in which the cores 5 are arranged in a line may be used as in an optical fiber ribbon 10b shown in FIG. In this case, the arrangement direction of the cores 5 may be oriented in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10b as shown, and the multi-core fibers 1 are arranged so as to face in other directions such as a direction perpendicular thereto. May be. As described above, the arrangement of the cores of the multi-core fiber constituting the optical fiber ribbon is not limited to the illustrated example, and can be arbitrarily arranged.

  Further, like the optical fiber ribbon 10c shown in FIG. 10C, the orientations of all the multi-core fibers constituting the optical fiber ribbon 10c may not be the same. In the optical fiber ribbon 10c, the multi-core fiber 1a in which the core 5 is arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10c and the multi-core fiber 1a in which the core 5 is arranged in the thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10c are alternately arranged. Aligned. That is, the core 5 of some multicore fibers 1a and the cores 5 of other multicore fibers 1a among all the multicore fibers 1a extend in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 10c. The multi-core fibers 1a are arranged so as to be arranged to be rotated 90 degrees with respect to the direction as an axis.

  As described above, the orientations of the multi-core fibers constituting the optical fiber ribbon need not all be the same, and the arrangement of the cores of the respective multi-core fibers is substantially the same in any cross section in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon. What is necessary is just a fixed arrangement. Since the optical fiber ribbon 10c shown in FIG. 10C is not symmetrical when the center line M in the width direction is taken as the axis, the left and right multi-core fibers 1a can be identified, and the optical fiber ribbon 10c can be identified. There is no mistake in the connection direction of the line 10c.

  In the above description, the example in which the optical fiber constituting the optical fiber ribbon is a multi-core fiber is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if it is other than a multi-core fiber, it is applicable if the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is an optical fiber having directivity with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. is there.

  For example, even if it is a single core fiber like the optical fiber ribbon 10d shown to Fig.11 (a), it is applicable also to the optical fiber 2a in which the core is eccentric from the center of the optical fiber. . Further, an optical fiber 2b having a relatively small amount of eccentricity of the core, such as an optical fiber ribbon 10e shown in FIG. 11B, or a core, such as an optical fiber tape 10f shown in FIG. In the case of the optical fiber 2c, which is a polarization maintaining fiber having 5 at the center and the stress applying portions 6 provided on both sides, and a flat core fiber, the marker 8 is provided separately from the core for signal light, The present invention can be applied. In this case, light may be introduced into the marker 8. The marker 8 of the optical fiber only needs to be able to hold light for a predetermined length and is not used for signal light transmission, so it is not necessary to consider light transmission characteristics. For this reason, it can be set as the structure where light leaks easily compared with a core, and if it does in this way, it is especially suitable for this embodiment.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is provided with a plurality of optical fibers having directivity with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. In the optical fiber ribbon, the optical fiber core can be obtained in which the core of the optical fiber is disposed at a fixed position in the longitudinal direction.

(Embodiment 2 of another optical fiber ribbon)
FIG. 12A shows the optical fiber ribbon 30. FIG. The optical fiber ribbon 30 is substantially the same as the optical fiber ribbon 10 except that a colored portion 33 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the multicore fiber 1b. A colored portion 33 is formed on a portion of the outer surface of the resin coating portion 7 on the outer periphery of the clad 3 in the circumferential direction. The colored portion 33 is formed continuously or intermittently in the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1b.

  In the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1b, the position of the specific core 5 and the position where the colored portion 33 is formed are substantially constant over the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1b. That is, this positional relationship is maintained at an arbitrary position in the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1b (an arbitrary position in the formation range of the colored portion 33).

  For example, if the coloring portion 33 is formed at a position closest to the outermost core (immediately above the outermost core), the position of the specific core 5 can be easily visually confirmed. That is, the coloring part 33 functions as a marker for recognizing the position of the core.

  The optical fiber ribbon 30 is formed by integrating a plurality of multi-core fibers 1b and being integrated with an adhesive portion 9 provided intermittently in the longitudinal direction. In the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 30, the multi-core fibers 1 b are arranged so that the cores 5 of all the multi-core fibers 1 b are all in the same direction. For example, in the illustrated example, the multi-core fiber 1b is arranged such that one center line of each of the multi-core fibers 1b connecting the three cores 5 is all directed in the thickness direction (vertical direction in the drawing) of the optical fiber ribbon 30. Be placed. Further, in the optical fiber ribbon 30, the arrangement of the cores 5 is substantially constant over the longitudinal direction (preferably the entire length) of a predetermined length range of the optical fiber ribbon 30. That is, in any cross section in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 30, the arrangement of the cores 5 is always substantially constant.

  Further, like the optical fiber tape core 30a shown in FIG. 12B, all the center lines of the multi-core fibers 1b connecting the three cores 5 are all in the thickness direction of the optical fiber tape 30a ( You may rotate a predetermined angle from the up-down direction of a figure. In addition, the orientations of the multi-core fibers 1b may not all be the same. For example, among all the multi-core fibers 1b, the cores 5 of some multi-core fibers 1b and the cores 5 of other multi-core fibers 1b are rotated 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of each multi-core fiber 1b. You may arrange | position the multi-core fiber 1b so that it may become. In any case, the arrangement of the cores 5 should always be substantially constant in any cross section in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 30.

  In the illustrated example, the arrangement of the core 5 is the same as that of the optical fiber ribbons 10 and 10a. However, the cross-sectional configuration of the optical fiber ribbons 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f is illustrated. The colored portion 33 may be provided on a part of the outer peripheral portion.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the multi-core fiber 1b will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the colored resin coating apparatus 40. The colored resin coating apparatus 40 mainly includes bobbin placement units 11 and 41, a bobbin control unit 25, a guide 17, an optical fiber bending unit 15, a light detection unit 23, a resin coating unit 43, and the like.

  A bobbin 12 around which the uncolored multi-core fiber 1 b is wound is disposed in the bobbin placement portion 11, and the multi-core fiber 1 b is drawn out from the bobbin 12. The bobbin placement portion 11 is provided with a light introducing portion 13. In the light introduction part 13, light is introduced into the light introduction core 5a of the multi-core fiber 1b (light introduction step). Instead of the light introduction unit 13, a light introduction unit 13a may be used.

  The multi-core fiber 1 b drawn out from the bobbin 12 is sent to the optical fiber bending portion 15 disposed between the pair of guides 17. The optical fiber bending portion 15 is a roller, and bends the multi-core fiber 1b passing through the roller to a predetermined curvature. That is, the light introduced into the light introducing core 5a is leaked outside the multi-core fiber 1b (light leakage process). A light detector 23 is disposed in the vicinity of the optical fiber bent portion 15 to detect light leakage in the light leakage process (light detection process). The light intensity of the leaked light detected by the light detection unit 23 is transmitted to the bobbin control unit 25. The bobbin control unit 25 controls the posture of the bobbin 12 as described above. That is, the multi-core fiber 1b is rotated in the circumferential direction so that the amount of light leakage detected in the light detection step is substantially constant (first optical fiber rotation step). The fiber rotating unit 31 may be used instead of controlling the posture of the bobbin 12.

  The multi-core fiber 1 b that has passed through the optical fiber bent portion 15 passes through the resin coating portion 43. In the resin application part 43, a colored resin is applied to a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the resin coating part 7 of the multi-core fiber 1b. That is, a colored resin is applied to a part of the outer surface of the multicore fiber 1b in the circumferential direction so that the positional relationship with the core 5 is substantially constant over the longitudinal direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 1b (resin Application process). In addition, the resin application part 43 can apply | coat colored resin continuously or intermittently over the full length of the multi-core fiber 1b, for example by making the roller holding colored resin contact the outer peripheral surface of the multi-core fiber 1b. . The color of the colored resin is not limited as long as it is a color that can be identified with respect to the resin coating portion 7.

  The colored resin applied by the resin application part 43 is cured by drying or UV irradiation as necessary to form the colored part 33. The multi-core fiber 1b in which the colored portion 33 is formed is wound up by the winding bobbin 42 disposed in the bobbin placement portion 41. As described above, the multi-core fiber 1b including the colored portion 33 is manufactured.

  In the resin application part 43, a colored resin is applied to a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the multicore fiber 1b continuously or intermittently in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by always controlling the specific core (light introducing core 5a) to be at a predetermined circumferential position in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1b, the coloring portion 33 and the specific core The positional relationship can be made substantially constant with respect to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1b.

  For example, if a colored resin is applied from above the multi-core fiber 1b, the colored portion 33 can be formed immediately above the light introducing core 5a (specific outermost core). That is, when the specific core is the outermost core closest to the outer peripheral portion of the clad in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber, the colored portion 33 is the outer surface of the resin coating portion closest to the outermost core. It can form in the circumferential direction position. For this reason, the position of a specific core can be easily visually recognized from the outer surface of the multi-core fiber 1b.

Next, the manufacturing method of the optical fiber tape core wire using the obtained multi-core fiber 1b is demonstrated. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 50 for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 30. The optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 50 mainly includes a bobbin placement part 41a, a bobbin control part 25a, a guide 54, a colored part detection part 56, an adhesive application part 21, and the like. The bobbin arrangement part 41 a, the bobbin control part 25 a, the guide 54, and the colored part detection part 56 are arranged by the number of the multi-core fibers 1 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 30.

  The bobbin 42a is arranged in the bobbin arrangement part 41a. The bobbin 42a is a bobbin around which the multi-core fiber on which the colored portion 33 is formed is wound and the multi-core fiber 1 is fed out.

  Each of the multi-core fibers 1b drawn out from the bobbin 42a is sent to the guide 54. The guide 54 is a roller and guides the multi-core fiber 1b to a predetermined position. For example, the guide 54 is provided with a V-groove to guide the multi-core fiber 1b to always pass through a certain position.

  In the vicinity of each guide 54, a colored portion detection unit 56 is disposed. The colored portion detection unit 56 is a sensor that images the surface of the multi-core fiber 1b and continuously detects the position of the coloring unit 33. The colored part detection unit 56 is, for example, a CCD camera. The position of the coloring part 33 detected by the coloring part detection part 56 is transmitted to the bobbin control part 25a.

The bobbin control unit 25a controls the posture of the bobbin 42a so that the position of the coloring unit 33 is always a constant position. Specifically, in the image of the multi-core fiber 1b, when it is determined that the coloring portion 33 has shifted from the center of the image, the bobbin 42a is inclined so that the coloring portion 33 moves in the opposite direction to the shift. That is, the colored portion detection unit 56 detects the position of the colored resin, and rotates the multi-core fiber 1b in the circumferential direction so that the position of the colored resin is constant (second optical fiber rotating step). By doing in this way, the multi-core fiber 1b can be sent to the adhesive application part 21 in the state where the coloring part 33 always faces in a certain direction.

  Note that the inclination of the bobbin 42a by the bobbin controller 25a is the same as the inclination of the bobbin 12 by the bobbin controller 25 described above. Further, the fiber rotating part 31 may be used instead of controlling the posture of the bobbin 42.

The multi-core fibers 1b all aligned in a certain direction pass through the adhesive application section 21. In the adhesive application part 21, a plurality of multi-core fibers 1b are aligned and an adhesive is applied intermittently.

  The adhesive applied by the adhesive application unit 21 is cured by drying or UV irradiation as necessary. That is, a plurality of multi-core fibers 1b are provided side by side, and adjacent multi-core fibers 1b are bonded to each other in the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fibers 1b to form a tape (taping process). The optical fiber ribbon 30 obtained by intermittently integrating the multi-core fibers 1b obtained in this way in the longitudinal direction is wound up by a winding device (not shown). Thus, the optical fiber ribbon 30 is manufactured.

  Thus, the optical fiber tape core wire 30 in which the arrangement of the cores is constant in the longitudinal direction can be obtained by identifying the position of the colored portion 33 with a sensor or the like and aligning the multi-core fiber 1b while rotating.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, the technical scope of this invention is not influenced by embodiment mentioned above. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various modifications or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.

  For example, it goes without saying that the embodiments can be combined with each other.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b ......... Multi-core fiber 2a, 2b, 2c ......... Optical fiber 3 ......... Clad 5 ......... Core 5a ......... Light introduction core 6 ......... Stress applying part 7 ......... Resin coating Portion 8 ......... Marker 9 ... Adhesion portion 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 30, 30a ......... Optical fiber tape core wire 11 ......... Bobbin placement portion 12 ......... Bobbin 13 , 13a... Light introducing portion 15... Optical fiber bending portion 17... Guide 20, 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 50. ...... Light detector 24... Rotating part controller 25, 25 a ...... Bobbin controller 27 ...... Light introducing and bending part 29 ...... Guide 31 ...... Fiber rotating part 33 ...... Coloring part 40 …… Colored resin coating device 41, 41a ……… Bobi Placement portion 42, 42a ......... bobbin 43 ......... resin coating section 54 ......... guide 56 ......... colored region detection unit

Claims (6)

A plurality of optical fibers are provided side by side, and the adjacent optical fibers are optical fiber tape core wires that are intermittently bonded to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers,
The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber has directivity with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber,
An optical fiber ribbon, wherein the cores of the optical fibers are arranged at fixed positions in the longitudinal direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon.   The optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores.   The optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a marker for identifying the arrangement of the core is provided in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. A colored portion is provided in a portion of the outer surface of the optical fiber in the circumferential direction,
The colored portion is formed continuously or intermittently in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the optical fiber,
The colored portion is provided so that the relationship between the position of the colored portion and the position of the core is substantially constant over the longitudinal direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. The optical fiber ribbon according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A plurality of optical fibers are provided side by side, and the adjacent optical fibers are a method of manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon in which the optical fibers are intermittently bonded to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber,
A light introduction step for introducing light into the core of the optical fiber;
A light leakage step of leaking light introduced into the core to the outside of the optical fiber;
A light detection step of detecting light leakage in the light leakage step;
An optical fiber rotation step for rotating the optical fiber in the circumferential direction so that the amount of light leakage detected in the light detection step is substantially constant;
A plurality of the optical fibers are provided side by side, and the adjacent optical fibers are bonded to each other in the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers to form a tape,
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber ribbon characterized by comprising. A plurality of optical fibers are provided side by side, and the adjacent optical fibers are a method of manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon in which the optical fibers are intermittently bonded to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber,
A light introduction step for introducing light into the core of the optical fiber;
A light leakage step of leaking light introduced into the core to the outside of the optical fiber;
A light detection step of detecting light leakage in the light leakage step;
A first optical fiber rotation step for rotating the optical fiber in the circumferential direction so that the amount of light leakage detected in the light detection step is substantially constant;
A resin coating step of coating a colored resin on a part of the outer surface of the optical fiber in a circumferential direction so that the positional relationship with the core is substantially constant over the longitudinal direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber; ,
A second optical fiber rotating step of detecting the position of the colored resin and rotating the optical fiber in the circumferential direction so that the position of the colored resin is constant;
A plurality of the optical fibers are provided side by side, and the adjacent optical fibers are bonded to each other in the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers to form a tape,
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber ribbon characterized by comprising.

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